1. _The kingdom of the Seleucidæ_, sometimes known as Syria, was founded by Seleucus, B.C. 312. It included the largest portion of Alexander's conquests, embracing most of Asia Minor, and those provinces of the Bible world known as Syria, Mesopotamia, Babylonia, Persia Proper, Southern Media, and far beyond them eastward to the Indus. Throughout its history of 250 years, it remained a Greek government, though in Asia, and introduced the Greek language and literature to all the lands of the Orient. 2. _The kingdom of the Ptolemies_ included Egypt, Libya, Palestine, Phoenicia, and the southern provinces of Asia Minor. It was ruled by a succession of Greek monarchs, descended from Ptolemy Soter, and, with changing boundaries, endured until the death of its last queen, the famous Cleopatra, when it became a part of the Roman empire. 3. There were other kingdoms in Asia at this time, appearing upon the map. _Pontus_ and _Cappadocia_ intervened between the two sections of the empire of the Seleucidæ. Southwest of the Caspian, and near the sea, _Media Atropatene_ had gained its independence, and on the southeast _Parthia_ was rising to power; while beyond, on the east, was _Bactriana_. Other lands of less importance might also be named; but these are all that are necessary to the reader of the history. During this epoch of 125 years, Palestine remained under the control of Egypt. [Illustration: NINEVEH AND VICINITY.] 4. =The Syrian Supremacy=, B.C. 198-166. By the battle of Mount Panium, Antiochus of the Seleucid line wrested Palestine from Egypt. The Syrian domination, though short, brought to the Jews greater trials than any previous period in their history. Jerusalem was twice taken and sacked, the Temple was desecrated and closed, the Jewish religion was forbidden, and those who remained steadfast to it were subjected to a cruel persecution. The trials named in Heb. 11:35-87, belonged to this period, when every attempt was made by Antiochus Epiphanes to destroy the worship of Jehovah, and introduce Greek customs and religion among the Jewish people. But the very violence of the tyranny reacted, and led to a complete deliverance and a more thorough devotion. 5. =The Maccabean Independence=, B.C. 166-40. A priest named Mattathias raised the banner of revolt; and, after his death, his five sons in succession led the efforts of the Jews for freedom. The greatest of them, though all were heroes, was Judas, called Maccabeus, "the hammer." In B.C. 165 he took possession of Jerusalem; and, after his death, his brother Simon won the recognition of the freedom of Palestine. Other Maccabean princes extended the boundaries of the land over Edom, Samaria and Galilee. Under a succession of these rulers, also called Asmonean kings, Palestine was virtually independent, though nominally subordinate to either Syria or Egypt. [Illustration: PALESTINE UNDER THE MACCABEES. B.C. 100.]